Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan, and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia’s tobacco policy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country’s collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society’s support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He stated that the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board, and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia.

Amrahi highlighted that pharmacists are crucial in cessation work, providing nicotine replacement therapy and counselling through the mQuit programme at both public and private healthcare facilities. He emphasized the need for clear, consistent policy support to ensure the success of these efforts.

In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah noted that 2025 marked two major milestones in Malaysia’s tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly. This global commitment aims to strengthen the prevention of lung diseases.

He also mentioned the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year, which laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products. However, he warned that passing the law is only the first step. Muhammad Sha’ani stressed the need for a commitment to prioritize public health over profit in realizing Malaysia’s vision of a tobacco-free society.